3M Supply Chain Solutions, the international operating arm of HighJump Software and a division of diversified technology company 3M, has installed a new warehouse management system (WMS) at 3Ms abrasive products manufacturing site in Atherstone, Warwickshire.

HighJump Warehouse Advantage was chosen for its flexibility to adapt quickly to planned changes in the operating environment. The entire implementation was specified, designed, tested, installed and taken live within six months to meet a tight timetable for the migration of 3Ms Just In Time supply hub a critical part of the companys European supply chain.

Organisational changes provided the catalyst to implement an improved WMS, and by selecting HighJump Warehouse Advantage we have simultaneously gained efficiency, flexibility and cost advantages, said Kay Jacks, Hub Manager, 3M Atherstone. We were even able to define some very site-specific web-based reports at the beginning of the project and these were incorporated into the installed system. We have also been able to enhance our call-off capabilities and increase automation of processes such as labelling and packaging to improve the accuracy, speed and efficiency of the hub.

With a far-reaching project and a short timeframe for completion, the inherent flexibility of HighJump Warehouse Advantage allowed the new system to inter-operate straight away with existing supply chain systems. We were able to interface with the inventory management systems already in place at Atherstone, as well as those operated by the sites vendor partners, to achieve a seamless and transparent transition, said Karen Vyse, Vendor Manager at 3M Atherstone.

3M Supply Chain Solutions professional services team worked with Kay Jacks and her team at Atherstone to ensure that the new system leveraged 3Ms Lean Six Sigma best practices while also meeting local needs. On-site support was also provided during the WMS testing phase to identify potential issues and ensure correct operation of the system. Given the mission critical environment, when the time came to go live, it was imperative that the switch-over should occur transparently to the production line and to the hubs suppliers.

Despite the tight time constraints, we were able to develop a rapid, comprehensive test strategy that allowed us to perfect the system in advance of the go live date, commented Jon Ackroyd of 3M Atherstone. The switch-over was completed in a weekend, with zero disruption to any aspect of the operation, from close-down of the legacy system on the Friday evening to full operational status the following Monday morning.

Commenting on the success of the project, Hugh Murphy, Regional Sales & Marketing Manger, 3M Supply Chain Solutions, said, HighJump Warehouse Advantage is a modern WMS built on a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), which delivers tremendous operational advantages. The achievement of the entire changeover within the six month timeframe demonstrates the solid fundamental architecture and rapid flexibility of HighJump Warehouse Advantage, and the commitment of teams both at 3M Atherstone and 3M Supply Chain Solutions.

About 3M

3M Practical and ingenious solutions that help customers succeed

3M is a $22.9 billion diversified technology company, creating innovative products that help make the world smarter, faster, healthier and safer. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M has pioneered innovation since 1902 and, today, invests more than $1.5 billion a year in R&D. It has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and its digital signage offerings are revolutionising the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.

3M employs 75,000 people worldwide to deliver more than 55,000 products to customers in some 200 countries. Its diverse technologies touch nearly every aspect of modern life, serving markets such as consumer and office, display and graphics, electronics and communications, healthcare, industrial and transportation, safety and protection services, and security systems.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 3850 people across 17 locations, including 11 manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, respirators, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.

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Established in 1997, Manufacturing & Logistics IT Magazine (LogisticsIT.com) is the leading specialist IT solutions magazine and web-site covering all aspects of end-to-end supply chains within a wide range of vertical markets. The editorial content covers real live applications within collaborative supply chain environments and has contribution from leading vendors and research analysts. This provides our readers with an insight into how technological developments enable all kinds of businesses to operate effectively and efficiently.